Samurai Hakata Ningyo Clay Doll Vintage Japanese Ceramic Statue

The history of Ningyo in Japan stretches back to prehistory when figures known as Doguu and Haniwa were made. Since then a variety of doll-making traditions have evolved, reflecting the cultures of their specific regions. The center of doll making has been Hakata, with other famous dolls coming from the Kyoto area. Japanese Ningyo first gained international prominence at the 1900 Paris Exposition. Further international acclaim came when three dancing-girl Hakata dolls won the silver prize in the Paris World's Fair in 1924. The art of Hakata dolls was recognized as a traditional Japanese art form by the Government in 1976.

This is an inspiring Japanese Hakata Ningyo of the aging samurai General Saito Sanemori painting his grey hair. He is dressed in traditional kimono with archer’s arm guard, solemnly seated with legs crossed on a circular straw mat, in a dignified countenance his head tilting forward, while his eyes gazed away in lost thoughts, as if he is avoiding the mirror held in his left hand, he is caught hesitated to continue the work of coloring his mustache and hair. The facial features of the samurai are realistically sculpted, with a sublime expression can be found only in the most complex of inner emotion. The characterization is full of compassion; Through which a Chinese proverb comes to mind: Beauties and heroes since the time of old, Never the world shall see their hair grew grey (美人自古如名將不許人間見白頭).